Andorran Publishers Secure Latin American Interest at Guadalajara Book Fair

An Andorran delegation comprising publishers from Medusa, Anem Editors, and Editorial Andorra, alongside Joan-Marc Joval, the government's director of Cultural Promotion, attended the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) in Mexico. The group reported significant interest from Latin American audiences in Catalan-language works from Andorra, reinforcing plans for full government funding of translations.

Jan Arimany, editor at Trotalibros, highlighted a clear bond between Mexican readers and Andorran literature. He shared an anecdote from visiting a stand by a Mexican publisher also named Medusa, where a woman frantically searched for Iñaki Rubio's *Muertos, ¿quién os ha muerto?*, saying she had sought the Andorran title for years. Arimany identified opportunities in Latin American distribution, rights deals, and Spanish translations. Barcelona's status as the guest city amplified these ties, drawing on historical links like Catalan authors exiled under Franco.

Joval announced the government will fully fund translations of two Andorran works in Catalan annually, meeting publishers' calls for viable support. Editors will choose markets, languages, distribution, design, and printing, though budget constraints may limit the initial round to one or two titles. "From the government, we must drive translations of literature created in Andorra in Catalan. Editors are best positioned to identify markets and languages," Joval said.

No formal evaluation meeting has taken place between the culture ministry and publishers, but one is expected around mid-January to assess the FIL and direct resources. This aligns with the Andorra 2030 Cultural Strategic Plan's emphasis on translation aid for global outreach.

Arimany advocated wider backing to build a stronger sector, creating a "virtuous circle" of more titles, bigger readerships, and enhanced promotion. He pressed Andorra Turisme to champion literature abroad, akin to embassy presence at Madrid's book fair or Japan's consulate at Barcelona's manga event, to boost national branding. While sports yield fast wins, he noted, culture requires persistent effort. The FIL success, he added, offers a chance for such synergies if tourism officials embrace them.